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Basketball In Gilmore’s Genes

The images of former Chaminade standout George Gilmore remain vivid for those who got to see him take over the Maui Invitational Tournament in November 1991. His magnificent 37-point performance to help drive Chaminade across the finish line in the Swords’ upset of Providence that week helped Gilmore earn tourney MVP honors and set the tone for a pro career overseas.

Young Kaleb Gilmore hadn’t entered the world yet, but he has the benefit of video to see his dad. “I like watching video of him so I can build my game around his,” said Kaleb, a Kailua resident and junior-to-be at Maryknoll School. “I grew up around basketball, and it was the only thing I knew. Watching him, I can see what I need to do better.”

Gilmore already is making a name for himself after a solid two seasons at Maryknoll, and he has two years of eligibility left. Next up, he’ll take his talents to Kailua Community Basketball League, which begins its season Sunday at Kalaheo High School. Gilmore recently took some time away from the practice floor to visit with MidWeek‘s Windward Oahu Islander.

What is your earliest sports memory? When I was 3 or 4 and I was with my baby-sitter, sitting around with my basketball and my little basket – the one where you had to put water in the bottom (to weigh it down).

Who has had the biggest impact on your life? My dad. Just being around him and hearing how good he is, I wanted to be as good as him. It’s good motivation.

What’s been the best part of playing in the KBCL? Meeting new people. It’s also close to my house, and it makes it easy to stay conditioned and on top of my game.

What area of your game are you focusing on the most this summer? Mostly my shooting and ball handling.

When did you know you had a future in basketball? When I got to Maryknoll as a freshman, I just wanted to play basketball. I was playing baseball and basketball from fifth to eighth grade, and I didn’t know which sport I wanted to play.

When you surf the Internet, what website do you go to the most? Facebook or YouTube. I like to watch hoops mix tapes and see the difference between basketball played here and on the Mainland.

What film could you watch over and over? Love and Basketball. I love that movie.

What item could you not live without? My cell phone. I have everything on that thing.

Who are three of your favorite musical artists? Lil Wayne, Chris Brown and Jay Z.

When you have free time, how do you like to spend it? Sometimes I go outside and shoot around in my yard. I also like to lie down and watch TV.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I want to be playing basketball somewhere – either in Europe or the NBA. I just want to be playing basketball.

If you were planning a trip, what would be your “dream” destination? I think I would go to L.A. I went there this summer, and I had a good experience.

You are stuck on Kahoolawe and can have only one food. What would it be? I would go with pizza.

Given the chance, what celebrity would you most like to meet? Chris Paul.